Brisbane Marriott Hotel

The hotel is a prominent choice in Brisbane, largely celebrated for its prime riverside location which offers stunning views of the Story Bridge and easy access to the city's vibrant waterfront. Guests consistently commend the exceptional staff service, noting their friendliness, attentiveness, and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. The hotel generally provides spacious and clean rooms, contributing to a comfortable experience. It is an ideal fit for sightseers and business travelers due to its central position and comprehensive facilities, while families appreciate the spacious accommodations and heated pool. Couples can enjoy a romantic setting with picturesque river views. To enhance your visit, consider requesting a room on a higher floor for the best vistas, and be mindful of the valet parking, which is convenient but comes at an additional cost.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities that generally enhance the guest experience. The pool area is a popular feature, often described as great for families, though some guests noted it can be small, occasionally crowded, or not adequately heated. The gym is well-equipped with good views, providing a pleasant space for workouts. The Executive Lounge is appreciated by many for its convenience, offering breakfast and evening canapés, though some found its ambiance and decor to be lacking, and it can sometimes be crowded. Guests have access to free Wi-Fi throughout the property. However, the elevators are sometimes reported as slow, temperamental, or limited in number, leading to wait times. The spa has been noted by some guests as not always being operational or well-maintained.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests find the rooms to be spacious and clean, contributing to a comfortable stay. Many reviews highlight the comfortable beds and soft pillows, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though some guests found the beds to be too soft, hard, or saggy, and pillows occasionally too large or lumpy. The bathrooms are generally spacious, featuring both a bathtub and a separate shower, which is a significant plus for many. However, some guests noted issues with low water pressure in the shower and inadequate lighting for makeup application. While rooms are typically quiet, some guests experienced noise from outside or from the elevators. Minor issues like dust, worn carpets, or occasional oversights in housekeeping (e.g., unlocked doors, missing items, uncleaned cups) were mentioned by a few.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast buffet receives mixed but generally positive feedback. Many guests praise its variety and quality, with hot cooked options and a popular fresh juice maker. However, a recurring point of contention is that barista-made coffee is not included and incurs an extra charge, with only instant coffee provided in rooms. Some found the buffet selection limited or the pastries dry, and gluten-free options were sometimes insufficient. The Executive Lounge offers a decent breakfast and evening canapés, though some found the fare basic. The main restaurant is often commended for its delicious food and high quality, with some guests highlighting specific dishes like calamari or steak. Room service is available, but some found it to be very expensive or the food arrived cold.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, placing guests within easy walking distance of numerous key attractions. It offers excellent proximity to the Brisbane River Walk, Howard Smith Wharves, the CBD, Queen Street Mall, and various restaurants and bars. Public transport is readily accessible, with Central Station, bus stops, and ferry terminals just a short walk away, providing convenient access to other parts of the city. Parking is exclusively valet, which is appreciated for its convenience and service, but it is frequently noted as being very expensive. Some guests also reported issues with valet service speed, car damage, or height restrictions for larger vehicles, requiring off-site parking.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Many guests describe them as going "above and beyond" to ensure a positive experience, from welcoming arrivals with drinks to assisting with unexpected illnesses. The concierge service is particularly highlighted for its excellent advice and assistance with travel arrangements. While the check-in process is often described as quick and efficient, some guests experienced long waits or issues with room readiness upon early arrival. Housekeeping is generally good, but some reviews mention inconsistencies in daily service, towel replenishment, or attention to detail. Overall, the commitment to providing excellent customer service is a strong recurring theme.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain operational aspects and policies. The hotel has an older property that, while generally well-kept, shows some signs of wear such as dated carpets or minor maintenance needs. There have been instances where the in-room telephone was not working, requiring guests to use their mobile phones. The mini-bar is often empty, with guests needing to request items via room service. For those traveling with pets, the pet policy has caused confusion and additional charges for some guests, with online booking systems not always accurately reflecting pet-friendly room availability. Some guests also reported issues with the rewards program benefits not being honored as expected, leading to dissatisfaction with charges or room upgrades.